“Elaine, you’re too smart. She’s worried you’ll steal her job.”
These were words I received from a consultant when I was interviewing for a non-paid internship job. I was 18.
It’s unfortunate, I had jobs in my professional career where women were threatened by me and didn’t want to support me.
It was even more difficult when it was a women of color, women who I identify with.
I found it easier to work with men.
But then my old boss, Bobbi, changed that for me.
She taught me the importance of mentorship and guiding others.
I was 26 when I met her. I was a fundraiser, and she was the executive director of a community college I worked for.
It was beyond a working relationship, we stayed up late and she would share not just her successes but her faults. She allowed me to be human and quickly learn from my mistakes while learning to own all who I am.
So, why should women support one another?
The answer is easy:
When we support one another we show the whole world how to treat us to create gender equality.
1. Collaborate with others
First know that you cannot be the expert of everything. Create collaborations with others who can support others in a way you can’t. For example, as a Business Coach, I’ve made a number of collaborations within my own business. Remember to shine a light onto others.
I’ve hired my own client, Kat Magsaysay the CEO of Say Say Experience, to help manage my events.
I’ve also hired my own client, Monica Schrock the CEO of Unsocially Inclined, to help me with messaging and marketing while coaching my Aligned Legacy Mastermind clients.
I’ve also hired a former client, Nicole Cruz, a mindset and life coach for WOC to coach my Aligned Legacy Mastermind clients in mindset.
I acknowledge that I am not an expert in everything, but I can collaborate with others to better support my clients.
Action: Now think of 1-3 people you can collaborate with.
2. Refer others
In addition to being known as an expert in your particular field, one of the biggest compliments is to be known as the person who knows everyone.
I have a list of business owners and vendors I happily refer others to.
For example, I have a therapist I refer clients to when they are finding blocks. If you are looking for a therapist email me [email protected]
I also have an amazing WOC owned stylist I love referring others to, which is my own Aligned Legacy Mastermind client, Miramar Dichoso.
I believe in karma, so when you refer others even if it is not you, you will find money coming back to you.
3. Share your gratitude to others
This is the simplest step, but people often forget.
Be sure to share your gratitude with others.
For example, I am constantly sharing gratitude to my team. I am not a solopreneur, I am an entrepreneur creating an empire and I love giving so much love to my team who you can learn more by scrolling down on this page and finding “Meet the Team.”
Remember, it’s community over competition.
As the great Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
If you would like further support in your career, business, or leadership, my team and I would love to support you in creating a sustainable life! You can schedule a 30-minute legacy business or career review call with me to see if it’s a good fit to work together, and you’ll receive 3 action-items from me.
